That compared to returns being 11.4 percent behind in the prior week’s statistical report. There were 34,743,000 returns received for the year-to-date, compared to 36,859,000 in last year’s corresponding period.

Total efiles of 34,071,000 through February 15 were down 5.6 from 6,079,000 the prior year. That included 14,138,000 efiles from tax pros, off 8.1 percent from 15,380,000 and 19,933,000 self-prepared efiles, 3.7 percent lower than 20,698,000 a year ago.

In the prior week’s statistical report, efiles from professionals were 11.43-percent below a year earlier while DIY efiles lagged 6.1 percent behind the prior year.

The number of refunds issued were also catching up with the total issued to date 24.8 percent lower than for the season through Feb. 16, 2023. That compares to being 43.9-percent behind in the report issued a week earlier. The IRS has issued 20,883,000 refunds through February 15, compared to 27,781,00 in last year’s corresponding period.

For the first time, this season, average refunds were higher than a year ago. To date, refunds averaged $3,207, an increase of 2.1 percent over $3,140 a year ago.